10/9/12 - Felt much better today and was up early, got packed, checked out and was ready to cruise around Tokyo one last day because we were flying out in the evening!  Thank you to Belmont Hotel for holding our bags at the hotel so we didn't have to lug them around all day.  Off we went, once again, to Tsukiji Market for the breakfast of champions!

 

Good bye to our home for a week at the Belmont Hotel!

 

 

Yep, I ate ramen one more time before leaving Japan because I know that there's really no retaurant  in Hawai'i that can compare!

 

 

While traveling the subway, we ventured off into one of the shopping malls above the subway.  We found this eatery right next to a Starbucks and just had to try the Miso Butterfish.  (in the photo below, piled high-right in the middle of the photo.)  And, it was delish!

 

Bought a salad here.  Later, I wished I had bought more.  That was totally delish too!

 

 

Off to Ueno Park!

 

 

This statue was in Ueno Park.  Not sure what or who this was because I couldn't read the sign!

 

A small temple in Ueno Park and of course I had to ring that bell!  Yes, I did!

 

My family checking out the temple.

 

We went back to Ameyayokocho Market to get some last minute snacks & gifts to bring back.

 

 

Stopped for a quick lunch there, uhm, not as good/fresh as Tsukiji Market.

 

Yes, we wanted to enjoy the sashimi one more time before we leave.

 

On our way back to the airport via...yep, you guessed it, the Subway, (the best way to get around Japan.)

 

At the airport....Nikki did a little more shopping there.  We were kind of sad we had to leave but, we know, there's always, NEXT TIME.....right?

 

Do you believe it?  We got "First Class" on our way back.  Our very own cocoons!  Loved every minute of it.  Shucks, it seemed like the flight was shorter than expected, hahahaha.  We wanted to fly around just for a couple more hours.

Showing off my leg room, my own TV, my flight bag and my "empty" glass.  It was orange juice....I had enough spirits to last me awhile.

We could get spoiled traveling like this!

 

Uh, oh...he's starting to recline.

 



Done....knocked out!

Free movies, video games and enjoying my space! 

FIRST CLASS MENU

 

Of course we chose the Japanese menu, right!

 

Complimentary, everything!

 

Alas, we landed back home so soon BUT we landed safely, made it through Customs rather smoothly and we were pooped!  This was such an enjoyable trip.  I look forward to returning to Japan some day.  Maybe with Dr. J, who knows.  In any case, I have to thank those who helped us plan our trip.  Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo to Dr. J and Stacey Nikaido.  Thank you so much for your recommendations and guidance with this trip.  Because of your guidance and input we were able to put together an itinerary which allowed us to see and experience as much as possible in such a short time.  There's still so much to see and experience and I will safely say, that we will go back again one day to explore, experience & learn all there is to learn about Japan.

You know that feeling of contentment?  That's how I felt when I got home.  Tired but content! :)

As far as 10/8/12.....don't ask.....all I have to say is.....Ryan & Nikki went to Tokyo Disney for the day (by themselves).

That day is a blur! All I remember is, my equilibrium was totally off. Thank you for staying with me and taking care of me darling. Love you!

10/7/12 - Yuki found us and we were off once again.  Now Ryan was on a mission to find a Izakaya somewhere nearby....and so he did.  I believe it was $15 for all you could drink for an hour and a half.  From what I can remember, they had fun.....

 

 

 

To say the least, I don't think Ryan wants to ever take me out drinking again. 

 

Hey, you guys have to at least give me credit for taking these rather nice pictures of you folks enjoying yourself! :)

 

 

10/7/12 - Walk to the subway and off we go to the Tokyo Dome.  Who know's, we may get lucky and find a game going on.....

Didn't know what to expect here because this wasn't in our plans, just a spur of the moment decision.  It was like a amusement park with shows, rides, food AND the Tokyo Dome.

AND guess what.............there was a game going on!  There were only standing room only tickets but we went for it.  What an experience!  It's so different from watching sports at home.  They are so disciplined and respectful....even when they cheer!

 



It was pretty exciting!

 

Check out the crowd!

They had cheers for each player....no kidding...for real, each player had their own chant!

 



There we are....enjoying the game!

Ok, I'm going to try an upload a video so you can hear the cheers and see the excitement!

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

You just had to be there to feel all the excitement! 

 

When the game ended, which was totally exciting, we dashed back to the Subway and headed back to Asakusabashi.  We found a small restaurant that served meat, fish & beeru (lol) for dinner while we waited for Yuki (Ryan's friend) to join us! 

10/7/12 - Off we go to the Sumo Wrestling Museum which is in walking distance of the Edo-Tokyo Museum....I mean, it's really close.  We weren't expecting much, maybe just to see some pictures and collectibles, but to our surprise....there was a Sumo Tournament!  Yay!

 

 

 

As we passed by the back of the building we would see Sumo wrestlers warming up AND to my surprise.....look what my camera caught!  hahahahaha  (a Wedgy!!)

 

 

Photo op in front of the Sumo artwork before going in...

 

and another! hahaha

 

 

It may not have been Akebono or Musashimaru but it was a welcomed opportunity to watch a real Sumo Wrestling tournament.

 

 

They were youngsters but many of them were really talented.

 

We really enjoyed this!

 

We had our very own box to sit in.  I'm pretty sure if this was a major tournament, the cost would be super high!  But for the moment, we enjoyed the chance to be there AND watching a tournament!  Perfect timing!

 

Next stop, Tokyo Dome!